The World Punkin Chunkin Championship has announced they will be moving their competition to Rantoul, Illinois this year, as per the announcement they’ve made on their website and social media channels. The annual competition takes place in early November, and has taken plcae in Sussex County, Delaware for over 33 years.
Here’s the press release via their website:
It is official! The World Punkin Chunkin Championship is leaving Delaware. The team captains voted on a change of venue to the Village of Rantoul, Illinois. With 75% involvement, the vote was 70% YES and 30% NO. This is our event’s 4th change of venue since 1986. For over 33 years, we have called Sussex County Delaware our home but the chunk must go on. With many other Punkin Chunkin related events going on, there needs to be a World Championship.
We want to thank everyone for their support over the years. Most recently, we want to thank those that came forward in Delaware and Maryland in trying to keep the event on Delmarva. Unfortunately, our unique event requires large tracts of land. The Wheatley’s 600-acre property in Bridgeville, Delaware has served us well to date. We are very supportive of the land owner’s decision to not continue to host the event.
Our event will take place on the once known Chanute Air Force Base that was acquired by Rantoul when it was closed down in 1993. This property amongst their hospitality made their municipality an attractive location.
It has been our non-profit’s mission to conduct our annual event and give funds back to the community in the form of donations and scholarships for children. Since our inception, we have contributed over $1 Million Dollars in donations and scholarships. Our economic impact on the community has been incalculable drawing tens of thousands of spectators and participants from around the world.
We are currently planning the event to be on November 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Stay up to date by liking us on Facebook and visit us online at www.punkinchunkin.com.
Just watch this, which is ultimately kinda-sorta — and for better or for worse — the most Midwest thing of all time:
Top photo from Punkin Chunkin’s website